Team Q&A: Caroline Carlin, Senior Business Development & Sustainability Manager
Welcome to the team, Caroline! First, it would be great to hear about your career so far and what brought you towards sustainability:
Having worked in the sport and leisure for 22 years, initially in health and fitness, I joined Southampton Football Club in 2018 as Operations and Sustainability Manager. During my time at Southampton, I worked on a number of sustainability-focused projects and initiatives.
I was involved in the launch of the club’s “Halo Effect’ sustainability strategy, focusing on company-wide improvements to sustainability in key areas including environmental responsibility, corporate responsibility, fan responsibility, and social responsibility. These improvements resulted in the club moving from 18th in 2020 to 3rd in 2023 in sustainability rankings of premier league teams.
Amongst a wide range of projects during my time at Southampton, I was also responsible for the launch of the club’s first ever Greener Game Initiative and its Green Football Weekend.
Through my work with Southampton, I became a member of the BASIS management board. In 2022, I was delighted to be recognised in the ENDS report top 100 Power List, which showcases environmental professionals that have had the greatest green influence across the UK in the previous two years.
What are the most common challenges you've encountered in the sports and sustainability space?
Besides budgetary constraints and financial feasibility, the vast number of stakeholders involved in the sector and its sustainability efforts can be challenging when looking to make progress at the required scale. It’s crucial to connect with as many stakeholders as possible to ensure that they feel informed about sustainability and its central importance to the industry’s continued success. This includes both internal and external stakeholders, from suppliers to staff and athletes.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working collaboratively to identify opportunities for change and positive impact. I’m enthusiastic about sharing best practice to support industry stakeholders as they progress towards their sustainability commitments.
It is satisfying to reflect on projects to review their success and see the progress being made in favour of sustainability. It brings strong levels of motivation and confidence to keep pushing and working on impactful projects.
Are there any sustainability trends you've observed or anticipate gaining traction in the coming year?
Sports organisations are increasingly looking to gain sustainability certifications and accreditations, which is a positive trend I anticipate will continue. Additionally, I think that many organizations will be looking to upskill their staff on issues of sustainability as the industry continues to make progress.
As expectations in this space rise, I expect sport organisations that do not already have a sustainability strategy put in place will be looking to establish one in the near future in recognition of the impact its absence is increasingly having on fan sentiment and partnership opportunities.
What are your ambitions for your time at Enovation Consulting?
I am excited to be starting my new role at Enovation and hope to maintain and build positive and impactful relationships supporting sports organisations in their commitments for sustainability. I look forward to seeing the progress that clients are able to make in sustainability and to be part of driving that change!